Mosquito Control

Mosquito control has begun making their rounds though the City of North Little Rock. The sprayers will run Monday through Thursday from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. each evening and will run from April 20 until the end of October. Here are some fun facts: The City uses only EPA approved green chemicals which are certified by the State Plant Board. Around schools and daycares, they will use coconut oil. Mosquitoes build up a resistance over three generations which is about one month, so the chemicals are constantly changed. Call (501) 975-3747 for the voice hotline.

Help prevent mosquitoes from breeding by following these precautions:
*Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots which can hold water.
*Remove all discarded tires.
*Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are kept outdoors.
*Make sure roof gutters drain properly and clean clogged gutters in the spring and fall.
*Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
*Change water in bird baths frequently, about twice a week.
*Clean vegetation and debris from the edges of ponds and ditches.
*Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs.
*Drain water from pool covers.
*Use landscaping to eliminate stagnant water that collects on your property.

Help prevent mosquito bites by following these precautions:
*Make sure all windows and doors have screens that are in good repair.
*Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active.
*Use an EPA approved mosquito repellant when it is necessary to be outdoors.

West Nile Virus

A small number of people who get infected with West Nile virus develop severe disease, called West Nile encephalitis. Symptoms of severe illness include headache, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, muscle weakness, tremors (shaking), convulsions, coma, and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks,and neurological effects may be permanent. See your health care provider if you develop these symptoms.

Zika Virus

The Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects. Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.